Speculoos Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Originating from Belgium and the Netherlands, speculoos is a spiced biscuit enjoyed during Saint Nicholas’ festivities. This cake is a modern interpretation that captures the flavor of speculoos in a soft pastry, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g speculoos (ground)
• 150 g flour
• 1 packet baking powder
• 120 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 100 g melted butter
• 150 ml milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground speculoos, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is frothy.
4. Add the melted butter and milk to the egg-sugar mixture, then mix well.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture (speculoos, flour, baking powder, salt) into the liquid mixture, until you get a smooth batter.
6. Pour the batter into a buttered and floured baking pan.
7. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Add chunks of speculoos to the batter for a slight crunch.
• For extra indulgence, serve the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Replace the milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a more exotic flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of speculoos spread into the batter to intensify the flavor.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the speculoos cake takes about 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake is cooked evenly, allowing the warm spices and rich flavors of the speculoos to fully develop. As it bakes, the aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and other spices will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking. Once done, the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, ready to be enjoyed with its delightful blend of soft texture and crunchy speculoos crumbles.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This cake pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee, a fragrant black tea, or even a hot chocolate for a sweet break.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

To elevate the enjoyment of your speculoos cake, serve a slice dusted with speculoos powder for an extra burst of warm, spicy flavor. Top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream to complement the cake’s richness and add a creamy contrast. Finish with a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the aroma and provide a final touch of warmth. This presentation not only highlights the unique tastes of the speculoos cake but also creates a visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress your guests..

Why It’s Healthy 💚

The speculoos cake provides a good amount of fiber and antioxidants thanks to the spices like cinnamon and ginger found in speculoos. These spices not only enhance the cake’s flavor but also offer numerous health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, while ginger aids in digestion and has anti-nausea effects. Additionally, the cake’s moist and dense texture comes from the use of whole grains, which contribute to its fiber content. This makes the speculoos cake a more nutritious choice compared to many other desserts, allowing you to indulge while still being mindful of your health.